Big Bear, Ca, August 24, 2011, 12:00pm – A few small fires have started in the last few days including a fire off of the I-15 freeway in the Cajon Pass known as the Ken fire, a small 1 ½ acre fire in Waterman Canyon, and a car fire on Highway 18. The US Forest Service is reminding residents and visitors that now is the time of year when motorists, and outdoor enthusiasts need to be thoughtful and cautious when out in the woods. According to John Miller with the US Forest Service most fires along the roadways occur due to mechanical failure. Miller stated that people need to be aware of where they are parking when pulling off the road, or when traveling on fire roads in the forest. According to Miller a few years back, a fire started near the bottom of highway 330 due to a vehicle getting stuck in the grass, and while it was being pulled out of the area by another car, the grass beneath the vehicle heated up and started a fire. So as always be fire wise and fire safe this summer season.
